Tree Service Red Flags: What to Avoid

Most tree service companies are legitimate businesses trying to do good work. But the industry has its share of unqualified operators, scammers, and corner-cutters. Knowing the warning signs helps you avoid expensive mistakes and potential liability.

The Biggest Red Flags

Door-to-Door Solicitation

Reputable tree companies stay busy through referrals, repeat customers, and reputation. They don't need to knock on doors. Door-to-door solicitation is the single biggest predictor of problems.

This is especially common after storms, when "storm chasers" appear from out of town. They often:

• Overcharge for emergency work
• Do substandard work
• Disappear before problems surface
• Lack proper insurance
• Can't be found for follow-up or complaints

If someone knocks on your door offering tree work, politely decline and find your own companies to contact.

No Proof of Insurance

This is non-negotiable. Any legitimate tree company carries:

• General liability insurance: Covers damage to your property
• Workers' compensation: Covers injuries to workers

Without workers' comp, if someone is injured on your property, you could be liable. Without liability insurance, damage to your house, car, or neighbor's property is your problem.

Demands Full Payment Upfront

A deposit for large jobs is reasonable—typically 25-50%. Demanding full payment before work begins is not. Once they have your money, you have no leverage if problems arise.

Standard payment terms: deposit to schedule, balance upon satisfactory completion.

Cash-Only with Big "Discounts"

Strong preference for cash, especially with a significant discount for paying cash, usually means they're avoiding taxes. Companies that cut corners on taxes often cut corners on insurance, licensing, and workmanship.

A legitimate business accepts normal payment methods at consistent prices.

Recommends Topping

If a tree company recommends "topping" your tree—cutting off the top of the canopy—they don't know what they're doing. Topping is:

• Harmful to tree health and structure
• Rejected by every legitimate arboricultural organization
• Creates long-term hazards worse than the original problem
• Disfiguring and reduces property value

Any company that suggests topping lacks basic knowledge of tree biology. Find someone else.

Concerning (But Not Automatic Disqualifiers)

No Written Estimate

Everything should be documented: scope, price, what's included, timeline. Verbal agreements lead to misunderstandings and disputes. Reluctance to put things in writing suggests either disorganization or intent to change terms later.

Can't Explain Their Approach

A qualified professional should be able to explain what they're recommending and why, in terms you understand. "Trust me, I know what I'm doing" isn't an explanation. If they can't articulate their reasoning, they may not have any.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Legitimate urgency exists—a tree threatening to fall needs attention. But manufactured urgency is a sales tactic:

• "This price is only good today"
• "I have a crew available right now but not later"
• "Your tree could fall any minute" (when assessment doesn't support this)
• "Sign now and I'll throw in..."

Unless there's a genuine, immediate hazard, you have time to get multiple quotes and make a considered decision.

No Physical Address or Local Presence

A company with only a cell phone number and P.O. box is hard to find if problems arise. Established local companies have:

• Physical business address
• Listed phone number
• Local references
• History in the community

Recently Established with No References

Everyone starts somewhere, and new companies aren't automatically bad. But a company that can't provide any references and has no online presence or verifiable history warrants extra caution. At minimum, verify insurance more carefully.

During the Work

Workers Without Safety Gear

Professional tree work requires safety equipment: helmets, eye protection, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps at minimum. Climbers need proper harnesses and ropes. Workers without safety gear are either untrained or working for a company that cuts corners on safety.

Using Spikes on Trees Being Preserved

Climbing spikes damage trees. They're appropriate for removals but should never be used on trees that are being trimmed and kept. If someone spikes your tree for a trimming job, they've caused unnecessary damage.

No Supervision or Apparent Plan

Professional crews have a plan. They know what they're doing, in what order, and how they'll handle debris. A crew that seems to be figuring it out as they go suggests inexperience or poor leadership.

After the Work

Incomplete Cleanup

Proper cleanup should be part of the job. Sawdust, small debris, and ruts from equipment should be addressed. A company that disappears leaving a mess shows poor professionalism.

Won't Return Calls

If problems emerge or you have questions, a legitimate company responds. Suddenly being unreachable after payment is a bad sign—and a reason to hold final payment until you're satisfied.

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond specific red flags, pay attention to your overall impression:

• Did they show up when they said they would?
• Were they professional and respectful?
• Did they answer questions directly?
• Do they seem knowledgeable and organized?

A company that's disorganized during the estimate process is unlikely to be organized during the work. Rudeness or dismissiveness suggests how they'll handle any problems that arise.

What Good Looks Like

For contrast, here's what you should see from a qualified company:

• Prompt, professional response to your inquiry
• On-site visit for estimates (not phone quotes for significant work)
• Clear explanation of what they recommend and why
• Credentials and insurance documentation readily provided
• Written estimate with detailed scope and pricing
• Reasonable scheduling (busy companies are often the good ones)
• Professional appearance and safety equipment on job site
• Clean work and thorough cleanup
• Responsive if questions or issues arise

The Bottom Line

Most problems with tree services are preventable. The warning signs are usually visible before work begins—if you know what to look for. Take time to verify insurance, get multiple quotes from established companies, and trust your instincts about professionalism.

The cost of hiring a slightly more expensive qualified company is almost always less than the cost of dealing with damage, liability, or poor work from an unqualified one.